Why the turnaround? After legislators voted four times to reject the incentive funds, Gov. Brian Schweitzer joined health care lobbyists in their efforts to convince the lawmakers that not accepting the incentives would actually increase the cost of health care in the state, and lower its quality, too. In a statement, he said:

If Montana rejects the money, it will be distributed to other states, and Montana providers would be left holding the bag, requiring them to use their own funds for the technology or be left behind.

What's more, by rejecting the funds, the legislators were denying the state approximately 500 jobs that are tied to the funds.

Unfortunately, because the legislators delayed approval for so long, it's uncertain whether all of the $35 million intended for Montana will still be available, the story says.